The Lord’s Supper
“But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body”.
1 Corinthians 11:28, 29
It is interesting that Jesus allowed Judas to participate in the Lord’s Supper even though He knew that Judas was stealing and about to betray Him. But if Judas had examined himself before he ate of the Lord’s Supper, maybe he would have repented of his horrible deed and saved his soul.
Some of the Corinthians, whom Paul was addressing, did not distinguish between an ordinary meal and the Lord’s Supper ceremony. They saw no difference between their regular food and that which had been set apart to remind them of the death of Christ. Therefore, believers must not treat the ordinance as merely an event that happened in history but rather as a reminder of what sin has cost God and what man owes to the Savior.
Therefore, before taking part in the Lord’s Supper, the believer should prayerfully and carefully review his experience as a Christian, and make certain that he is ready to receive the blessings that participation in this ordinance provides.
Words, thoughts, and actions should be examined and everything that may be an obstacle in the Christian walk (2 Corinthians 13:5; Galatians 6:4). Self-examination and abandoning sin that is contrary to the mind of God is essential (Luke 9:23; 1 Corinthians 15:31). By improper participation in the Lord’s Supper, one is exposed to the displeasure of God.
Then, after making a careful evaluation of one’s life in relationship to the Lord and repenting of all sin, the believer can approach the table of the Lord with joyful thankfulness for all that the crucified Savior has done to him.
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In His service,
BibleAsk Team
